What is dermatographia

DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. Dermographism — codes and concepts open. Dermatographism, Dermatographia, Dermatographic urticaria, Ebbecke reaction, Dermography, Autographism. Reaction to external agent. Physical urticaria, Chronic inducible urticaria, True dermographism, Non-urticarial forms of dermographism. Symptomatic dermographism mimicking latex allergy.

Familial dermographism. Am J Med Genet. Symptomatic dermographism: a systematic review of treatment options. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. Symptomatic dermographism: an inadequately described disease. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Evaluation of patients with symptomatic dermographism. Dermographism: a review. J Am Acad Dermatol. Dermographism urticaria.

June Dermatographia is a condition also known as skin writing. When people who have dermatographia lightly scratch their skin, the scratches redden into a raised wheal similar to hives. These marks usually disappear within 30 minutes.

The cause of dermatographia is unknown, but it can be triggered in some people by infections, emotional upset or medications such as penicillin. Most people who have dermatographia don't seek treatment. If your signs and symptoms are especially bothersome, your doctor may recommend allergy medications such as cetirizine Zyrtec or diphenhydramine Benadryl.

The signs and symptoms may occur within a few minutes of your skin being rubbed or scratched and usually disappear within 30 minutes. Rarely, dermatographia develops more slowly and lasts several hours to several days.

The exact cause of dermatographia isn't clear. It may be caused by an allergic response, yet no specific allergen has been identified.

Simple things can trigger symptoms of dermatographia. For example, rubbing from your clothes or bedsheets may irritate your skin. Sometimes, dermatographia is preceded by an infection, emotional upset or medications, such as penicillin.

There are conditions immunologists refer to as false dermatographism, classified as either white, yellow, or black. They look like dermatographic urticaria but have different underlying mechanisms. These are other possible diagnoses:. Dermatographism is usually not treated unless it is causing severe or prolonged symptoms. If needed, over-the-counter oral antihistamines , like Allegra fexofenadine or Zyrtec cetirizine , may be recommended to treat acute rash and itching.

Less commonly, a prescription drug called cromolyn sodium may be used to help stabilize mast cells and prevent them from releasing histamine into the skin. Good daily skin care is needed to prevent the development of dermatographic hives. By keeping the skin soft and well-hydrated with emollient moisturizers , you are less likely to experience dryness that can trigger itching and scratching. Because dermatographism rarely requires treatment, efforts should instead be focused on avoiding the things that can trigger a rash.

Among important self-care tips:. Dermatographism can be aggravating, but it's usually not severe. However, if your symptoms are difficult to control, do not hesitate to see a dermatologist.

In some cases, you may find that your symptoms are inflamed by triggers or habits you are entirely unaware of. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Cleveland Clinic. Dermatographism or skin writing. Updated May 16, Happel, C. Curr Treat Options Allergy 4, — Godse KV. Use of a ballpoint pen in the diagnosis of physical urticaria. Indian J Dermatol. Nobles T, Schmieder GJ. In: StatPearls. Updated December 12, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.